Black History Month

As most elementary teachers know, it is often hard to find time to talk about social studies given the time committed to teaching reading and math. I know that I have struggled with this tension. But, I knew that I had to find time because it was important for my students to learn about their country, how it changes and the struggles of those who helped bring about those changes. One great way to do this is to teach about the Civil Rights Movement. A great time to do this is during February - Black History Month.

Teaching about important leaders of the civil rights movement is such an important part of Black History month, or any time of year really. It is important to keep certain things in mind when teaching about these important leaders and moments in history. This blog focuses on how to make teaching about the civil rights movement or any topic during Black History Month and beyond. I hope that you will find it inspiring. I know all of your students will!

I also know that many teachers are afraid to teach about people, events and ideas that can be seen as controversial. I understand that fear, but hope that you will work hard to see teaching about the civil rights movement as essential as anything you teach - Including reading and math.

Some suggestions:

Keep in mind there are multiple sides of the story. Many times children’s books make it seem like the person being studied did something great and it was not as hard as it actually was. It is important to look at multiple sources and look at real hardships that person faced. An example, of this is how people were brutally beaten by police during the civil rights movement and some killed. Your students are capable of examining these sources and discussing the hardships faced by many in the struggle for civil rights.

Teach about more than just Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King Jr. played a huge part in the civil rights movement, and it is important for students to learn about him. However, having students research and learn about other key people in the civil rights movement is important for students to understand how they worked together and played a key part. Students will be excited and engaged to learn about other leaders in the Civil Rights Movement. This can also be a great way to tie the Civil Rights Movement into Women’s History Month!

Let students ask questions and use their questions to guide their inquiry into the Civil Rights Movement. Allow small groups to research different aspects of the Civil Rights Movement and do a presentation for the other classes in their grade level or to other school leaders.

Hopefully you will find these suggestions helpful and that you will see students really engaged while researching, discussing and teaching others about those who helped to bring about greater civil rights in the United States.

Check out my Black History Month Products:

Famous African American Biographies